NEARLY two-thirds of businesses across the Asia-Pacific region are unprepared for strict new US import regulations that took effect earlier this month, threatening to disrupt shipments to one of the region’s largest export markets, according to a recent logistics study.
A survey conducted by Federal Express Corp. revealed that 64 percent of Asia-Pacific exporters shipping consumer products to the United States are not yet ready for the mandatory electronic filing requirements implemented by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on July 8.
The new rules require all US importers of CPSC-regulated goods to e-file compliance data at the time of entry. For exporters in the Philippines and the wider region, the change represents a major shift, requiring comprehensive product information to be ready before goods are shipped. Non-compliance risks shipment delays, financial penalties, or outright refusal of entry at the US border.
“Changes of this scale can introduce complexity for businesses operating across borders,” Salil Chari, president of FedEx Asia Pacific, said in a statement. “Our focus is on making compliance straightforward for customers, so they can continue to move goods seamlessly.”
Of the businesses surveyed across 12 regional markets, 28 percent said they understood the new requirements but had not yet acted, while 18 percent expected significant disruptions to their US-bound shipments. Only 15 percent of respondents reported being fully operational under the new framework.
The stakes are particularly high for Philippine small and medium-sized enterprises and manufacturers, who rely heavily on uninterrupted trade access to the US market. Adding to the urgency, registering products in the CPSC Product Registry to qualify for a streamlined data submission process can take up to six months.
Exporters cited identifying which products fall under the CPSC scope as their top challenge, followed by a need for digital tools to pre-validate data and simplified guidance on registration workflows.
To address the readiness gap, FedEx integrated CPSC e-filing capabilities directly into its shipping platforms, including FedEx Ship Manager and its developer API. The company also launched customer education programs and webinars reaching more than 5,000 participants across Asia-Pacific.
“Evolving global trade requirements underscore the importance of having the right partner to ensure compliance and continuity,” said Maribeth Espinosa, managing director of FedEx Philippines.
The survey insights were compiled from over 500 respondents participating in FedEx compliance webinars conducted across 12 markets, including the Philippines, Singapore, Japan, Australia, and China.